Scientific publications

This article presents data on the concentrations, distribution, and composition of organochlorine compounds (chlorinated benzenes and chlorophenolic compounds), including persistent organochlorine pollutants, in the ecosystems of waterbodies at different stages of isolation from the White Sea. Reconnaissance studies were conducted using the example of small lakes located on Oleniy Island in the Kandalaksha Bay of the White Sea (Murmansk Region): the freshwater Lake Bannoye (Lake Malye Khruslomeny) and the meromictic salt Lake Bol’shiye Khruslomeny. A notable feature of these waterbodies is their connection with the sea in the past and/or present. The concentrations of individual organochlorine compounds were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The presence of chlorinated benzenes and chlorophenolic compounds, including those from the persistent organic pollutants category, was revealed in lake sediments and soils of the catchment areas. The concentrations of persistent organic pollutants varied from 0.1 to 17.2 ppb in bottom sediments, and from < 0.1 to 11.8 ppb in soils. The concentrations of chlorophenolic compounds were from 0.022 to 0.256 ppm in sediments, and from 0.022 to 0.058 ppm in soils. It was shown that the composition and concentrations of organochlorine compounds in sediments of the lakes and soils of their catchment areas are mainly governed by the natural formation sources of these compounds with a less significant contribution of sources associated with anthropogenic activity. The input of persistent organic pollutants into soils and lake sediments is mainly due to air-borne transport from emission sources associated with the combustion/burning of various types of organic raw materials and wastes. The composition of chlorophenolic compounds in the lake sediments and soils was represented by low-chlorinated phenols and their derivatives, and indicated the influence of seawater on the transformation of organochlorine compounds.